A centuries-old Kamakura sword wielded in combat to instill fear and slay enemies in feudal Japan will be publicly displayed for the first time in decades at a special exhibition this weekend.
Forged during the Nambokucho era (1332-1393) on the northern coast of Honshu, the elegant, armor-piercing sword was used primarily in the battle between warring factions in Kyoto and Kamakura, and has been sequestered in a private collection.
This 680-year-old sword will be among 50 samurai-era weapons on view at the "Exhibit of Japanese Swords" at the Soto Mission of Hawaii.
‘EXHIBIT OF JAPANESE SWORDS’
Presented by Japanese Sword Society of Hawaii:
>> When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
>> Where: Soto Mission of Hawaii, 1708 Nuuanu Ave.
>> Admission: $10 (free parking at Soto Mission)
>> Information: Glenn Hayashi, 597-1624; Albert Keliikuloa, 554-6846; jssh.org
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"This is going to be the largest event in Japanese culture in 25 years," said Dr. Glenn Hayashi, event chairman. "It will also be the largest sword event in Hawaii in a very long time."
The last exhibit of its kind was held more than 50 years ago, Hayashi said. The Soto Mission Academy used to host the exhibit annually, but it become too cumbersome to plan, according to Hayashi and Shugen Komagata, bishop of Soto Mission.
In January the Japanese Sword Society of Hawaii, the group hosting the event, decided it was about time to bring the privately owned swords back into the public eye, said Hayashi, the society’s vice president.
"Bringing this (event) back has been a dream of mine for a long time," Hayashi said. "I’m hoping it will be a success and not a mistake, but so far, the feedback we’ve been hearing from the public is that they’re delighted that we’re doing this."
People are fascinated by the traditional weaponry because of how it is portrayed in movies and on TV, and the exhibit is an opportunity to see the swords up close, said Albert Keliikuloa, secretary and treasurer of the sword society.
The swords in the exhibit will be grouped and displayed by historical era. The collection will represent the five major sword-making styles, and some of the items were made by well-known swordsmiths. While the majority of the weapons are antiques, such as the Kamakura sword, there also will be swords from the Shinshinto period (1764-1886) and others that are less than 100 years old.
"The most sophisticated swords will be on display, and sword aficionados will appreciate this collection but the beauty of these swords will also appeal to the general public," Hayashi said. "Everything on display will be of great value."
He added, "Being able to share the mystery and beauty of our sequestered collections, I felt, would be a meaningful gift to the community."
While the spotlight will be the sword showcase, the event also will feature calligraphy, sword-polishing and woodblock printing demonstrations. Other weaponry, such as rifles and spears, as well as different types of traditional Japanese armor, will be on display. The Hawaii Bonsai Association will sell bonsai tree and plants.
"There’s definitely going to be something for everyone," Keliikuloa said. "It’s a lot of Japanese history, but I think people from any culture will appreciate what we’re doing and have a good time."
